Police found 30-year-old Lil Merlow dead with gunshot wounds • "Investigators believe the victim was a deliberate target," the police statement said

Rapper Lil Merleau, whose real name is Rudolf Johnson, was shot dead - according to TMZ.

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Merlot Night

Atlanta police have confirmed to the website that the 30-year-old rapper was found with gunshot wounds in his vehicle while he was lifeless. Police were called to the scene after a caller reported a car accident Saturday night.

"Investigators believe the victim was a deliberate target during an exchange of gunfire, and are working to decipher the circumstances that led to the shooting," a police statement said.

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The rapper left behind two children. On his father's last day he uploaded a video of himself with his daughter, writing "Thank you for making me a father, I will not trade you for anything in the world".

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"So much potential that the world has not had the chance to see," said the founder of the label where he was signed since 2017, "Quality Control," "Love you, brother. It's really hard for me to say 'rest in peace on your bed.'"

Lil Merlot released with rapper Lil Baby an album called "2 the Hard Way", and his latest album "1st & 3rd" was released in February.